Torres lasted 81 minutes of the 2-0 home loss before being replaced by new signing, Demba Ba, and was widely criticised for a below-par display.

However, Benitez has revealed that the Spaniard was in fact suffering from a stomach bug and suggested that his performance was impressive considering the circumstances.

Benitez told reporters: "I was there when he was with the doctor, needing tablets. Still he was playing with the team. When he starts scoring again the fans they will appreciate this.

"He was playing with this problem. You have a professional trying to do his best in this situation. I was really pleased with the attitude of Fernando.

"I am really pleased because he was doing this for the team. We had to manage the situation but I could not phone Michael Laudrup and say he was not fit."

Benitez also confirmed that Ba was suffering from a hamstring injury, so could not start the Capital One Cup clash in place of Torres.

"Ba couldn't play, he had a hamstring niggle," Benitez added.

"I would like to see all my players praised in the papers. But as a top level player you have to accept you can be criticised. He is a very good professional. He had the problem but he was still training and playing."